Oven Cavity Connector Layout for Powered Tray Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooking appliances lack an efficient system for powering accessory trays within the heating cavity, limiting the versatility and functionality of cooking processes due to inadequate electrical connectivity and tray positioning options.
Innovation Solution
A cooking appliance system featuring an oven cavity connector with multiple tray sliding structures and a connecting plug that allows powered accessory trays to engage with the connector, providing electrical power and enabling versatile tray positioning through an extension cable, while an accessory detection mechanism sets operational parameters based on the engaged tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tray sliding structures are provided at different vertical positions, then tray positioning versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating cavity is segmented into multiple vertical levels with separate tray sliding structures at each level. Each sliding structure is independently positioned and can accommodate trays at different heights, allowing versatile tray placement without requiring a single complex adjustable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The oven cavity connector is designed with universal electrical contacts that can service multiple tray positions. The connector system can provide electrical power to any engaged tray regardless of its vertical position, making the power distribution system multi-functional and adaptable to different tray configurations.
2Reliability
If an operable door is added to enclose the connector interior, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The operable door is equipped with a biasing mechanism that provides automatic closing force. When the connecting plug is removed, the door self-closes without requiring manual intervention, maintaining safety while minimizing operational effort. The system serves itself by using the removal action to trigger the closing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism pre-positions the door in a closed state, creating a preliminary protective barrier. This preliminary action ensures the connector interior is enclosed before any potential hazards can occur, and the door remains ready to close automatically if the plug is removed.
3Reliability
If electrical contacts are disposed within the connector interior, then electrical connectivity is improved, but accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are nested within the connector interior, which itself is accessible through the operable door. This nested arrangement protects the electrical contacts while maintaining a hierarchical access structure where the door provides external access to the internally positioned contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The operable door serves as an intermediary element between the external environment and the electrical contacts. It provides a controlled access path that allows plug engagement while protecting the contacts, mediating between the need for connectivity and the need for protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking appliance includes sidewalls and a rear wall defining a heating cavity. At least one heat source is in thermal communication with the heating cavity. An oven cavity connector is disposed within an interior surface of the heating cavity. The oven cavity connector is in communication with the heating cavity. A first tray sliding structure is disposed proximate opposing vertical sidewalls of the heating cavity. A second tray sliding structure is disposed proximate the opposing vertical sidewalls and is vertically offset relative to the first tray sliding structure. A powered accessory tray has a connecting plug, the powered accessory tray being alternatively and selectively engaged with one of the first and second sliding tray structures, and the connecting plug is in selective communication with oven cavity connector when the powered accessory tray is engaged with any one of the first and second tray sliding structures.